About InGRID
InGRID was founded in 2025 at the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering (FNSPE) of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) as a direct result of the GACR Junior Star project (25-17788M) awarded by the Czech Science Foundation (GACR): Dynamic testing and in vitro–in vivo correlation of magnesium implants: multidisciplinary challenges. Although the group leader, K. Tesař, is based in the Department of Materials, InGRID is designed to tackle a broad spectrum of topics. Its members come from various FNSPE departments, including the Department of Solid State Engineering and the Department of Radiation Chemistry.
However, the reach of InGRID extends far beyond FNSPE alone. To effectively address the interdisciplinary challenges in the research and development of resorbable implants, we are fortunate to collaborate with a wide range of external group members and collaborators. Among these, a prominent partner is the FZU – Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Here, K. Tesař works within the Department of Dielectrics, while our deputy group leader, J. Pinc, is based at the Department of Functional Materials.
We believe that fundamental research on resorbable metallic implants, particularly those based on magnesium and zinc, is crucial to overcoming the current challenges in implant development. Key questions remain unanswered: the origins of in vitro–in vivo correlation factors are still not fully understood; effective strategies to suppress and repurpose the hydrogen generated during magnesium implant degradation are lacking; and many alloys could benefit from optimization through advanced metallurgical approaches.
To achieve these goals and more, InGRID provides a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration, covering the entire pathway of implant development. Our work spans from mathematical modelling and the use of artificial intelligence for alloy design, through implant manufacturing and characterization, to corrosion testing and biological evaluation. To ensure effective communication and targeted progress, InGRID is organized into ten specialized subgroups, each focusing on a specific area. For example, InGRID-MANU is dedicated to the manufacturing of semi-products and implants.
Yet, we do not intend to stop there. We recognize that for research to truly benefit society, it must be effectively translated into practice. That is why we actively pursue knowledge transfer and welcome collaboration with implant manufacturers and other industry partners.
As a university-based research group, we are proud that many of our members are students. We actively welcome not only doctoral candidates but also bachelor’s and master’s students who are interested in our research topics. FNSPE holds a unique position in the Czech Republic, encompassing most of the disciplines necessary for the development of new implants. We therefore hope that our reach will continue to expand into other fields of study that can support and strengthen our goals.
Despite our group’s name, our research extends beyond the development of resorbable implants alone. We are also engaged in studying other implant materials, such as titanium and titanium alloys produced through severe plastic deformation techniques, conventional machining, and 3D printing, as well as shape-memory and superelastic alloys like Nitinol for biomedical applications. Additionally, we explore quasicrystal-strengthened magnesium alloys and quasicrystals themselves. We believe that broadening our collaborations and applying our infrastructure to diverse topics can bring fresh insights to our core research, particularly in the fields of materials characterization and manufacturing.